The London Square: Gardens in the Midst of Town (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art)

About this book

Modern-day London abounds with a multitude of gardens enclosed by railings and surrounded by houses which attest to the English love of nature. These green enclaves known as squares are among the most distinctive and admired features of the metropolis and are Englands greatest contribution to the development of European town planning and urban form. Traditionally inhabitants who overlooked these gated communal gardens paid for their maintenance and had special access to them. As such they have long been synonymous with privilege elegance and prosperous metropolitan living. They epitomize the classical notion of rus in urbe the integration of nature within the urban plana concept that continues to shape cities to this day. Todd Longstaffe-Gowan delves into the history evolution and social implications of squares which have been an important element in the planning and expansion of London since the early 17th century. As an amenity that fosters health and well-being and a connection to the natural world the square has played a crucial role in the development of the English capital.